Summary

Under general supervision of a Cardiology Supervisor - technician serves as a Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph) responsible for all technical aspects of state-of-the-art electrocardiograph (ECG) testing. Operates and monitors the performance of computerized ECG equipment used in the performance of a variety of specialized - complex - non-invasive cardiac procedures. This position will be housed at the Greenville VA Clinic in Greenville - North Carolina.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education
• There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
• Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels
• See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions
• Licensure or Certification
• Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation
• however - it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilities
• For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments - specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations"
• For all specialties identified in this standard - Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: GS-7 (a) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge - skills - and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations
• (b) In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex - but standardized procedures
• 2
• Knowledge of zoom - expansion - prospectus - color Doppler - and pulsed echo Doppler
• 3
• Knowledge of the digital transmission of images
• 4
• Ability to alter standard - but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations
• (c) Certification
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable (d) Experience
• At this level the medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound) performs complex - standardized procedures independently
• They have the knowledge to alter procedures - equipment settings - transducers used - etc. - to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes
• They will also be required to assist with the performance of more complicated procedures and non- standardized procedures in a developmental capacity
• Preferred Experience: Operates and monitors commonly used electrocardiographic equipment including 12-lead electrocardiogram and accessories
• Instructs - positions - and prepares patients
• attaches electrodes to patients' chest and extremities to record prescribed heart tracing
• Manipulates the controls and programs information into the electrocardiogram computer to provide tracing
• Checks recording and highlights any abnormal tracing caused by external action or conditions
• Monitors tracing before and after testing and alerts proper medical personnel of serious ECG results Knowledge of the instruments and complex procedures of the specialization
• Skill to apply knowledge to perform relatively new diagnostic or treatment procedures involving very fine distinctions or many delicate and exacting steps - the instruments are complex - and the setting and measurements are fine
• Skill to change and adapt parts of the instrument to meet especially difficult situations
• Knowledge of and skill to start emergency cardiac arrest procedures and monitor vital signs during examinations
• Skill to prepare and analyze quality control of test results
• EKG tech certification is preferred - but not required
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures - and related examinations - such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices - scanning Holter tapes/disks - event monitor strips and editing EKG - Holter - and treadmill reports
• Utilizes MUSE cardiology storage system
• Operates diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patient - supports register nurses - advance practice providers and physician's equipment
• Includes exercise tolerance testing system - Holter Monitoring and Event Monitoring Scanner
• Receives request and/or - consults for procedures
• Reviews request from physician or advance practice provider for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability to perform prescribed test
• Receives assignment for which clear precedents exist
• Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained
• Employee understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of the supervision when an uncommon - unique or new procedure is requested
• Instructs patient pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures
• Independently explains various procedures including need for positions on table or treadmill - monitoring equipment - adverse reactions to stressing agents
• Explains requirements for accurate monitoring and necessity of diary entries
• Answers question by patient and or family members
• Performs Medical Instrument Technician work with stress test specialty
• This requires experience in operating - supervising the operation of the instructing in the operation of specialized equipment related to the specialization of the position
• Performs MI Tech work with Holter/Event Monitoring specialty
• This specialty area requires experience in applying - operating and instructing in Holter and Event Monitoring equipment
• The complying of data - revising reports and completing reports for physician and/or advance practice provider review
• Schedules patient for application and removal of monitors
• Instructs in the operation of EKG equipment to nursing staff in patient care and clinic areas
• Instructs the physicians - advance practice providers - and cardiology staff in the storage and use of MUSE System
• Work Schedule: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required